EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Off to the best start in program history, the No. 17/13 Marquette University men’s soccer team (6-0-0) travels to Michigan State (2-4-1) for its next road test of the season on Sunday, Sept. 16. Kickoff at DeMartin Stadium is set for 1:30 p.m. Central time.

Marquette is looking for its first win against the Spartans. The Golden Eagles played Michigan State to a 1-1 draw at Valley Fields last season and have gone 0-3-0 in previous attempts.

Note: The Marquette/Michigan State game will not be broadcast on WMUR Marquette Radio due to Sunday’s live coverage of MU women’s soccer at Valley Fields. Follow in-game updates on Twitter by following @marquettesoccer, or with Gametracker (GoMarquette.com).

BIG EAST/Big Ten ChallengeMarquette and Notre Dame remained undefeated on the season with victories Friday night to open the 2012 BIG EAST/Big Ten Challenge. The No. 17/13 Golden Eagles topped Michigan 2-1 at Valley Fields, while the No. 8/3 Fighting Irish (6-0-0) blanked Michigan State 2-0 at Notre Dame. The two-match series concludes Sunday with MU traveling to East Lansing, Mich., to take on the Spartans (2-4-1), while the Wolverines (2-3-0) will play host to Notre Dame.

Marquette Golden Eagles (6-0-0, 0-0-0 BIG EAST)Marquette got off to its first 6-0-0 start in the 48-year history of the men’s soccer program with a 2-1 win over Michigan (2-3-0) on Friday. The Golden Eagles came back from being a goal down in the second half to earn their fifth-straight regular season victory at Valley Fields. Michigan took a 1-0 lead going into halftime on a goal by Tyler Arnone in the 45th minute. Marquette was able to equalize on a goal by Axel Sjoberg six minutes into the second half. Sjoberg would also score the eventual game-winner in the 63rd minute.

Michigan State (2-4-1, 0-0-0 Big Ten)The Spartans have lost three of their last four going into Sunday’s match and are looking for their first home win of the season. Three of Michigan State’s four losses have been decided by one goal. The Spartans snapped a two-game losing streak by defeating Providence 3-2 on the road last Sunday on a late goal Cody Henderson in the 86th minute, but then fell to No. 8/3 Notre Dame on Friday night, 2-0.

Double-Overtime Victory Turning Point For Golden EaglesSince last year’s 2-1 double-overtime win at Michigan, defending BIG EAST division champion Marquette has been able to rattle off 14 victories in its last 18 regular-season matches, including a perfect 6-0-0 start to the 2012 campaign. MU has a remarkable 14-3-1 record in the regular season during the current stretch. Additionally, Marquette has not lost a regular-season or preseason match since its final road game of the 2011 season, a 3-0 setback at No. 5/2 Connecticut.

Perfect Start Garners National RecognitionMarquette moved up in all the national men’s soccer polls this week, highlighted by the No. 13 spot in the latest Soccer America rankings, the program’s highest national ranking ever. In addition, Marquette was ranked No. 17 in the nation in both this week’s NSCAA/Continental Tires poll and the TopDrawerSoccer.com rankings. MU checked in at No. 20 and No. 21, according to Soccer Times and College Soccer News, respectively. Eight BIG EAST teams are currently ranked or are receiving votes in this week’s NSCAA poll.

Young Defense Continues To Make Good First ImpressionA trio of Marquette freshmen has stepped in to provide head coach Louis Bennett a steady backline, which also includes junior left back Paul Dillon. True freshmen Adam Hermsen and John Pothast have started every game at right back and central defender, respectively, as has redshirt freshman Axel Sjoberg (central defender).

Together, with redshirt sophomore Charlie Lyon, the Golden Eagles’ defensive unit has posted four shutouts through the team’s first six games. Sjoberg has even contributed on the offensive end with a pair of goals, including the game-winner, in the 2-1 victory over Michigan (Sept. 14).

Versatility On The AttackSix different MU players have found the back of the net this season, led by three goals from junior midfielder Eric Pothast. In addition, Marquette has out-scored its opponents by a combined margin of 9-1 in its last five outings.

Follow Marquette Soccer on Facebook and TwitterIn addition to all the news, stats and scores that you’ll find on GoMarquette.com, fans of Marquette men’s soccer can follow the team on Facebook (Facebook.com/marquettesoccer) and on Twitter (@marquettesoccer). Get exclusive access behind the scenes and be up-to-date on the latest news of the day. In-game updates will also be provided in real time at Twitter.com/marquettesoccer for all home and away matches during the season.

Skills Zone Open For 2012 SeasonKids 12-and-under are invited to participate in the “Skills Zone” before every Marquette home match during the 2012 season. Get to The Valley early to participate in soccer skills stations with MU players & coaches. The “Skills Zone” opens one hour before the start of every men’s soccer home game.